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Welcome to the Sunday Interview – Getting to Know you. This will be the last interview until September 23rd as I am off house and dog sitting for a couple of weeks. (And reading) I will still be popping in and sharing some regular posts and of course other bloggers, but the weekends will be very busy.

So to finish with a flourish until then…. my guest this week is author Hugh W. Roberts, who is also known for his excellent blogging tutorials, Blogging Tips for new bloggers and those of us who have fallen into bad habits!! Recently we have been enjoying a series that follows the events 49 Days in 1988 when Hugh lived in London. As well as sharing his story, he also invited fellow bloggers to suggest a song from the 1980s to play as well as promote their blog or books. This week it was another favourite blogger in our community The Story Reading Ape, Christopher Graham.

Here is an extract from the official word on Hugh W. Roberts and you can find out more at Meet Hugh

My name is Hugh. I live in the city of Swansea, South Wales, in the United Kingdom.

My blog covers a wide range of subjects, the most popular of which are my posts on blogging tips. I’ve learned a lot about the world of blogging since I first discovered it in February 2014. All of the tips and advice I give are free of charge and will cost you nothing apart from, maybe, your time. To see all my posts that include blogging tips, click on the ‘Blogging Tips’ button on the menu bar.

I have always enjoyed writing, and the fact I suffer from a mild form of dyslexia has not stopped me from enjoying the passion I have for writing. Yes, I get things wrong with my reading and writing, but I now always find those mistakes humorous and always laugh about it. I no longer allow dyslexia get in my way.

Now in my fifties, I thought it about time I let my writing become public. Becoming a blogger seemed to be the perfect way for me to do this. Blogging has put me in touch with hundreds of other writers, many of whom have been supportive and helped me with my writing.

I’m a member of the committee of the Bloggers Bash, a group set up to organise annual get-togethers for all bloggers. Held in London, we had our fourth event in May 2018. Click here to meet the bloggers and authors who attended the event.

I lead a happy life and always try to stay positive. I share my life with John, my wonderful civil partner, and our two Welsh Cardigan Corgis, Toby and Austin.

Time to find out which of the questions Hugh has chosen to respond to………

Welcome Hugh and can you tell us what is your favourite TV show and why?

The Twilight Zone. If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’ll know all about my pieces of flash fiction and short stories which often come with a twist at the end. Rod Serling, the creator of the show, is one of my writing heroes. He wrote many of the episodes for the show and I always admire the gift he has of leading people up the wrong garden path towards an ending they were not expecting. Of course, the clues are often in the episodes, but he’s brilliant at hiding them, even though they’re there right in front of your eyes. He’s the master of writing the way I want to write. I’d love to know what he thought of some of my stories, but sadly he passed away in 1975 at the young age of 51.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

Very much a morning person. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved to get up early and to make the most of my day. Who knows? It could be my last one, so I want to make the most of it. Even during the winter months, I get up early. It may be dark outside, but my creative mind is at its best during the morning, so it’s the time that I tend to sit down and write. I have written a couple of stories during the late evening, one of which frightened the life out of some of readers when I published it in my book, Glimpses. It was a weird story and came from deep in my mind. If you have a copy of Glimpses, the story is called ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.’

What is your favourite music genre and why?

Something by the name of ‘Hi-NRG.’ Not many people will have heard of that genre of music, but it takes me back to my days of being a part-time D.J when I lived and worked in London. Hi-NRG music was first played on the gay circuit, in nightclubs and pubs, it was very popular with gay men. As well as being a part-time D.J, I also had another part-time job selling records and, over the years I accumulated a rather large collection of 12-inch vinyl records which I played at the bars I D.J’d at. One of the best feelings I ever had was seeing a packed dance floor full of happy people dancing to the music I was playing. I was known, on the circuit, as ‘D.J the Lamb.’

Sally here:I hope that this is a good example of ‘Hi-NRG’ Hugh… Touch in the Night by Silent Circle...

What season is your favourite and why?

Autumn. I’m not a ‘summer’ person because I’m not good at coping with the heat or humidity our summers often bring. Autumn, however, is a beautiful season because of the colours she displays. As somebody who also enjoys and watches a lot of television, Autumn also brings a wonderful selection of shows to our television screens. I also enjoy Halloween, not because of all the chocolate, but because it always brings me so much inspiration for stories and pieces of flash fiction.

For the last few years, I’ve also insisted that my partner, a keen gardener, grows pumpkins so that we can carve Jack-o’-lanterns. I’m always disappointed if nobody knocks at our door on Halloween, even if it means I get to keep all the chocolate. Autumn is also, for us the northern hemisphere, the lead up to Christmas, another favourite time of the year for me.

Sally here: I love this time of year too, and I love this version of Autumn Leaves by Eva Cassidy.. just for you Hugh. Courtesy of David Borg

What is one thing (moral or practical) your grandparent taught you how to do that you still do today?

One of the quotes my Grandmother often said to me was ‘Treat others how you would like them to treat you.’ It’s something that has stayed with me since I first heard her saying those words. I’ve had a few jobs where I’ve been on the frontline of customer service, and the way some customers treat some of these employees was awful. We can all get angry when things don’t go to plan, but no amount of shouting, screaming, and rudeness is going to help. I always treat people with respect and, if I’m in the wrong, I’ll hold up my hands and say so. However, if I’m in the right, then I always quote to myself what my Grandmother said and don’t get angry with whoever I’m talking with. It’s a sad fact, but I think many humans have turned more and more un-respectful to each other over the last 40 years. If, however, every one of us could say that quote when waking up every morning, then wouldn’t it at least be a little better of a world we live in?

Sally here: It certainly would be Hugh and could not agree with you more…. a wise grandmother.

Now a look at Hugh’s short story collection Glimpses, which will be joined later this year, by a new release…

About the collection

After publishing some of his short stories on his blog, Hugh W. Roberts, who is dyslexic, received numerous requests to publish his short stories in a book.

Here, at last, are 28 short stories that will take your mind on a roller coaster of a ride into worlds that conceal unexpected twists and turns.

‘Glimpses’ allows the reader a peek into the lives of everyday people who are about to have life lead them on an unpredicted path. From a mysterious deadly iPad app to a hole in the fence that is not all it seems, to a strange lipstick that appears to have a life of its own, you will encounter terror, laughter, sadness, shock and many other emotions on journeys which promise a thrilling and gripping climax.

If you are a lover of shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Tales Of The Unexpected’, then you are in for a real treat with this first collection of short stories from Hugh.

Dare you take a glimpse into the lives of these unsuspecting characters?

I found Glimpses by Hugh W. Roberts to be quite a unique book. It is a collection of short stories, mainly written along a supernatural theme. I am a great lover of supernatural and horror books and have been avidly reading Stephen King since I was ten years old, so this was right up my street. I had two absolute favourite stories/groupings of stories in this lovely book. My outright favourite was The Truth App which I read twice. It is a collection of a few short stories all in the same theme and it really “creeped” me out. Maybe I identified with it so much because it is all about blogging and bloggers which is a world in which I have recently become very immersed. I must say that I had to stop reading this tale in the evenings because it was giving me bad dreams. My advice to bloggers and other readers of this book, be careful what apps you choose to download!

My other outright winner was a short story about a woman who goes to India to have eye and dental treatment. This one stayed firmly in my mind because it made me reflect on the fact that, even if you read the completely incomprehensible list of ingredients on cosmetic and facial and other products, one rarely has any idea of what really goes into that cream that you are liberally apply all over your face. It also summoned up horrible thoughts of articles that I have read recently about testing medications and products on animals. A story that can make you think like that has got to be superb.

Thank you very much for visiting today and I hope if you have not met the wonderful Hugh Roberts before, you will introduce yourself and follow him on his blog and social media. Look out for his new collection of stories later in the year… it will be promoted here of course.

Related

About Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

My name is Sally Cronin and I am doing what I love.. Writing. Books, short stories, Haiku and blog posts. My previous jobs are only relevant in as much as they have gifted me with a wonderful filing cabinet of memories and experiences which are very useful when putting pen to paper. I move between non-fiction health books and posts and fairy stories, romance and humour. I love variety which is why I called my blog Smorgasbord Invitation and you will find a wide range of subjects. You can find the whole story here.
Find out more at https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/about-me/

Really enjoyed getting to know more about you and your work, Hugh. As a fan of all things creepy ever since discovering Poe at an early age, I plan to check out Glimpses, for sure. Great interview questions and answers, Sally and Hugh. Hi-NRG, huh? Not sure whether that was a thing on this side of the pond or not, but very interesting. Sharing! 🙂

Thank you, Marcia. I hope you enjoy reading the stories in Glimpses if you decide to read it. I’ve warned people not to read it at nighttime, but I think reading it at that time of the day adds to the atmosphere of some of the stories. Sometimes, my mind gets carried away so you may find some of the stories a little strange. However, I’ve been delighted with the reviews the book has had. They certainly spurred me on to write the second collection (which is currently with my editor).
Thank you so much for sharing the post, too.
Have a great rest of the weekend, Marcia.

It is fun to see Hugh featured on your post today, Sally. I have to agree that people are becoming less respectful as time goes by. I’m not sure of the cause but maybe parents are no longer teaching manners. Excellent interview, Hugh

Thank you, John. I’m glad it’s not only me that can see how people are becoming less respectful to each other. Those words that my Grandmother spoke to me will always stay with me. I only wish she was still here to tell me more of her versions on the outlook of life.
I hope you’re feeling better after your recent surgery, John.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Thank you John… I agree and courtesy costs nothing and ensures that co-exist in harmony.. Now so much of our interaction is not face to face but hidden behind our screens, it appears to have made it easier to be impolite.. xxx

So great to learn more about our friend Hugh. I had to look up Hi-NRG and found it started in the US. Fun music! I love your grandmother´s advice, Hugh. Very similar to my fathers and something I try to remember every day. Working in customer service gave me many opportunities to practice it!

Thank you, Darlene. Yes, Hi-NRG originated in the U.S.A. Although no more Hi-NRG music is produced, I still often play it. Hearing it has resulted in some of my short stories, so I’m pleased to say that it helps motivate me and gets my creative cogs turning.
I always enjoy meeting people through my work, but some of them could be very rude when you’re first in line with that complaint they have. My grandmother’s words helped me a great deal during those years of being in customer service.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Ah the Welsh Wizard shoots and scores! You sure Hi-NRG isn’t something chemical you ingest to be able to dance all night? Like a mix of pixie dust, cardamom and hope. And DJ the Lamb. Now come on Roberts-Bach you can’t leave it there. How, or maybe why did you get that name?

It does sound like some kind of energy drink, doesn’t it, Geoff? Probably ahead of its time, but not full of caffeine and sugar. Back in the 80s, all one needed was a dance floor, lights, smoke machine, pint or two of beer, and Hi-NRG music. Some of the best nights of my life.
As for ‘DJ – The Lamb’ – a name given to me because I could be seen ‘springing’ around the DJ Box…apparently. Who would have thought it, eh? Me? Springing?

Sally, thank you so much for giving me the chance to answer some of your questions on this brilliant feature you are running on your blog.
I feel very honoured to be wrapping up this first part of the series and to have been a part of such a talented and magnificent group of guests you have featured since the series began.
But I can’t end without saying a big thank you to you. To do such an outstanding job with all the promotion you do of writers, authors and bloggers who may otherwise have gone unnoticed. Not just from me, but thank you from everyone you have helped by sharing their work on your blog. If there was a ‘blog personality of the year’ event, I would have no hesitation in nominating and voting for you.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and the upcoming house and dog sitting.
Hugs to you.
xx

Thank you, Hugh. Fall in New England is spectacular. The biggest event I do in my preschool classroom is pumpkin carving. Pretty cool to be at school, at night, carving a jack-o-lantern with your family. When everyone lights them, it is magical. I should grow a few in the garden at school, like you do. Happy Halloween 🎃 to you, too.

Glimpses was one of the first books I read ( I knew I would enjoy it as I loved the Twilight Zone and enjoy reading and writing short stories where strange things tend to ocur ) after joining WordPress as Hugh was one of the first bloggers I discovered. All his blogging help has been invaluable.

Thank you so much. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed reading Glimpses. The follow up is currently with my editor. I’m hoping to have it published by the end of the year.
I’m glad that my blogging tips posts are also helping. I have another one being published this week.

Hugh! You are my favorite, Corgi, doggy, daddy!! ❤ to Austin and Toby. Rod Serling was one of my favorite people in the writing/television world myself. We'd watch Twilight Zone and be scared witless. My folks couldn't even chastize as it scared them as well. From one Autumn person to another… glad to see you here. ❤

I had no idea Rod Serling is also one of your favourite writers from the world of television, Annette. When I was growing up, my parents were always very concerned about my viewing and liking of The Twilight Zone. Like your parents, they found it scary.

I remember overhearing a conversation they had where my mother said that she didn’t like me watching the show. My father replied by saying that I’d soon get fed up watching it, so it wouldn’t be a problem. I guess he was both wrong and right in what he said because it was never a problem. In fact, both the show and the way the episodes were written were the motivation I got for the fiction I now write.

Dear Sally, thank you for this delightful visit with Hugh. He and I have even more in common than I realized. Always fun to learn a little more. Great big hug to you both.
Happy dog sitting. I hope you have a great time.

So many of your answers, Hugh — Rod Serling, morning person (I get up around 4 most mornings), autumn, Halloween, TV shows (I get migraines in theatres — so TV it is), recognizing & promoting the need for kindness and respect. Wishing you continued success with Glimpses. Have a marvelous Monday.

This is a great interview with Hugh. And, I learned about a new type of music I was not familiar with. We all have so much to share with each other. Thanks for bringing Hugh to us, Sally and enjoy your adventures.

Thank you. The book cover has had great feedback. My book cover designer has come up with another great cover for my next book. I hope readers like it as much as they do the cover for Glimpses.
Have a great week.

Hi Sally and Hugh,
Great way to finish this series with Hugh. Like you Sally, Hugh has been supportive of my writing. I’m a huge fan of his current series and tease him about his innocence from that period. I’ve read “Glimpses” and envious of his ability to write short stories. He is also a great source of blogging tips. What I most enjoy following his blogs is his friendliness with everyone that leaves comments. He never forgets to thank everyone that leaves a comment. I try my best to follow his example. Hugh shows us by example how to have a successful blog site. HUGS to all.

I’m always so pleased when people say that the blogging tips I write and publish are helpful. I’m still learning about the world of blogging, so I’ll be writing and publishing many more blogging tips posts. Keep a lookout for them.

Thank you for your review of Glimpses. I appreciate it very much. I’m glad you enjoyed reading the stories and hope you’ll enjoy the next collection of my short stories as much as you did reading Glimpses. Fingers crossed, they should be published by the end of this year.

As for responding to comments, it’s something I feel is my duty to do. If a reader has taken the time to read one of my posts and leave a comment, then they have every right to a thank you and response from me. It’s one of the most important roles of being a blogger.

Lovely to see Hugh here today, Sally. I’ve been enjoying his year in London blog and hope he’ll turn it into a book at some point and his blogging tips are always so useful. I’d not heard of hi-NRG (how’s it pronounced, Hugh?) but enjoyed the piece you played, Sally.
Enjoy some time off and your house/dog sitting,

Hi Mary. Thank you for your comments. I’ll make a decision at the end of the year of whether to turn ’49 Days in 1988′ into a book. There certainly seems to be the appetite for me to do it. Once my next short story collection is published, it’s something I can then give more time to. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.

Hi-NRG – ‘Hi-ENERGY’ – that’s how it’s pronounced. Music from the 1980s and early 1990s. It didn’t have a long reign, but still gets played a lot on the gay circuit.

A wonderful interview with Hugh, Sally. I am also a morning person. I like to get up early so that I can have some blogging and writing time so I can relate to Hugh’s preference in this regard. Autumn is my favourite season too because I also love the colours. I was thrilled to see my review of Hugh’s book here. I really enjoyed Glimpses.

Thank you so much for the brilliant review you gave Glimpses, Robbie. This may sound cruel, but I had to smile when you said you had to put the book down when reading ‘The Truth App’ because the story was giving you nightmares. I guess it was all down to the story surrounding a group of bloggers, something which many of us in the writing world can relate to. When the subject of a story is ‘close to home’ it can become even more terrifying.

Fabulous to see Hugh here today Sal. And I’ll say that I quite enjoyed The Autumn Leaves video while reading here. I love that song!
I’m with you Hugh on autumn, my absolute favorite temps and scenery with the turning leaves and crisp air. We’d do well together, lol. And don’t think I forgot that scary Christmas story in your book Glimpses. I await your next book my friend! Hugs! xoxo ❤

I always get a cruel smile across my face when people tell me that a story I’ve written scarred them, Debby. Can you hear my evil laugh? 😀

My next short story collection is with my editor (due back any day). I’m looking forward to getting back to work on it. The cover is almost finished, so my fingers are crossed that the book will be published this side of the New Year. Of course, I’ll keep you all posted.

Great interview, Sally and thanks Hugh. I remember this being played, I think. At that time I had a few German bands I loved. I used to DJ too, lol I don’t think the small fishing village was ready for THe Cure or The German bands. xxx

Thank you, Adele. It’s great to know that somebody else here was also a DJ. I don’t know about you, but I enjoyed having the power of making or breaking the night out for hundreds of people. Of course, it was always ‘making. rather than ‘breaking’ their night out. I’m sure we could share a good few ‘DJ’ stories.

Hi Colleen, yes I do. I’m hoping that my second collection of short stories (most of which have never been published before) will be published by the end of this year. If not, then early 2019 will be when the book will be published. It’s currently with my editor and due back soon. I’m looking forward to polishing up the stories before a proofread is then done.

Very pleased to meet you Hugh.I’m half Welsh and only have to see the word ‘Welsh’ or ‘Wales’ for my interest to be piqued…(Especially Laugharne, Welsh choirs, & Welsh cakes…) Although a ‘ technical nerd’ I gobble up anything literary; reading and writing both magnetic to me. If only we had the time, eh. Considering cloning. If only! I write eclectically (fav. a mixture of fact & fiction) and always interested in blogging. Blog away. Best wishes..

My father used to be in a Welsh men’s choir. However, I never followed in his footsteps because my singing voice is terrible. He likes to sing, whereas I prefer to write.

Aren’t Welsh cakes the best? Everyone seems to have their own secret recipe for Welsh cakes, but I enjoy sampling them all. I’ve even made some myself, although nowhere near as good as the ones my Grandmother used to bake. I remember watching her make them. In fact, she would sometimes allow me to stir the mixture and roll out the pastry. Happy memories.

It’s so nice to see Hugh featured over here, Sally. Great answers and a few new tidbits of info I didn’t know. I love Hugh’s grandmother’s advice. Can’t go wrong with the golden rule. Happy Almost Autumn!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hugh’s responses and learning a little bit more about him. One of my all time favourite bloggers, it was a real delight to meet Hugh in person at the Bloggers Bash this year. Great interview, thanks Sally.

How nice to see Hugh here. I enjoyed the music the first song was pepppy and pleasant and the second was calming and peaceful. I agree with you, Hugh, about the fall. It’s my favorite time of year too with the cooler weather and beautiful colors. I can see how Halloween would give you inspiration to create more of your creepy tales to frighten and delight your readers!
Lovely lessons from your grandmother made you a better person and your personality comes through in your blog and in this interview.
I look forward to the new book, Hugh! Lovely interview, Sally! Hugs & love to you both 😘

Yes, the seasons are certainly changing for the better here in the UK. I can already see the first hints of Autumn’s colours. The days are now cool, and the evenings slightly chilly. The best kind of weather for me.

I’ve not seen too much of Halloween goodies in the stores, but I’m sure it won’t be long. We’ve grown our own pumpkins again this year. They are coming along splendidly. Once they are ready. I’ll post some photos on my blog.

My next book has been slightly delayed, but only until early 2019. It needs a bit more polishing up to make it the best yet.

Always a pleasure to learn a little more about you Hugh. As you know I’ve been a follower of your blog ever since I started blogging & you’ve always been a great help with your tips & support. It was a pleasure to meet you at the Bloggers Bash this year, although I didn’t get chance to speak to you much. I’m also a lover of Autumn 🍂 just love walking amongst the leaves & the feeling of snuggling in front of the fire. I had the pleasure of reading your book Glimpses, so looking forward to your next 😊

Thank you, Sam. So sorry we didn’t get to speak much at the Bloggers Bash. With my day being taken up filming the event, I only wish I had some more time to speak to you all. It’s something I need to address to the other committee members. 😀However, I enjoy working with all the other committee members and sharing the hard work in getting the Bloggers Bash prepared. It’s great fun.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing Glimpses. The next short story collection will be published in early 2019. It’s been slightly delayed, but only because I need to work on some of the stories to make them even better.

Thank you, Christoph.
Yes, a catch up in real life would be great. I can’t believe the summer has just about gone and it’ll be two years in December since I attended the first Llandeilo Christmas bok fair. Time sure flies.

You’re welcome, Saly. I’ll be giving the post another boost next Sunday as my share didn’t appear on the WordPress Reader list on Sunday. I reported the problem to WordPress, but they’re at a loss as to why it did not appear. It happens to some of my posts occasionally and results in only those who subscribe by email to my blog getting notified of a new post.
Hope the house and pet-sitting are going well.
Hugs to you, too.

I love your blogging tips, Hugh. In fact, next Thursday 9/20, I’ll be doing a PowerPoint presentation to teach a group of new writers on how to create a WordPress blog and list some resources they can find help. Your blog is one of the links I’ll present. I love your two cute Welsh Cardigan Corgis.
We don’t have Autumn season in California. It’s kind of a hotter summer and cooler summer. I did experience a spectacular Autumn color when I went north to Portland, Oregon for my granddaughter’s birth. Guess what. my daughter and her husband named her Autumn!
Thank you for the great interview. Sally and Hugh!

You’re the second person to inform me that they will be using links to my blog (and details of some of my posts) in a presentation they are giving about blogging. You don’t know just how good that makes me feel, knowing the blogging tips and advice I give are being shared. Thank you so much.

I love the name Autumn. I hope you get to visit Autumn very soon, especially if you’re visiting when autumn puts on ger display of autumnal colours.

Such an amazing interview of such an amazing and precious member of our community. Hugh is always so supportive and I love his kind of humor. I was fortunate to meet him in person at the Blogger Bash in 2016… hopefully, more occasions to come!

It is simply how I think about you, Hugh. You are a gem. I am really happy you think like this about our meeting at the Blogger Bash. It means a lot to me and I really hope I can be there again next year. Btw. I was rarely around lately. Did I miss the announcement of the date?

A perfect guest to temporarily end this series, Sally. I hope you are having an enjoyable time house and pet sitting, by the way. You’ll have to tell us where you are/have been.

I enjoyed reading more about Hugh – such a supportive, genuine and wonderful man and awesome writer! The quote “Treat others how you would like them to treat you.” should be lived by everyone! It’s common sense to me, so it really upsets me when people are rude and disrespectful. Like Hugh, I think this attitude is getting worse and more wide-spread every year.

The way customers react and personally attack you is one of the reasons why we closed our business.

Thank you Liesbet. Had a great time with my sister’s dog in Portsmouth and I am now working my way back visiting others enroute to Ireland later in the week.. Glad you enjoyed Hugh’s interview.. a lovely man and terrific supporter of the blogging community… I was in customer facing businesses all of my career…. it can be challenging ♥

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Liesbet. I’d never have thought that when I started a blog to share my writing, back in February 2014, that I’d have my first published book under my belt and a blog that seems to be going from strength to strength. It’s been a wonderful and exciting journey, helped by all the wonderful support and encouragement I get from my readers.